In Pursuit of Reason: The Life of Thomas Jefferson (Southern Biography Series) [Hardcover]

Noble E. Cunningham (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1987 | Series: Southern Biography Series

"A major contribution." Washington Post
The authoritative single-volume biography of Thomas Jefferson, perhaps the most significant figure in American history. He was a complex and compelling man: a fervent advocate of democracy who enjoyed the life of a southern aristocrat and owned slaves, a revolutionary who became president, a believer in states' rights who did much to further the power of the federal government. Drawing on the recent explosion of Jeffersonian scholarship and fresh readings of original sources, IN PURSUIT OF REASON is a monument to Jefferson that will endure for generations.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The life of Thomas Jefferson, demonstrably the most intellectual of America's presidents, has fascinated scholars for generations. A careful but elusive autobiographer, Jefferson left behind such a wealth of information about himself and his times that he has fueled hundreds of studies. Noble Cunningham's one-volume life is somewhat dispassionate, giving only a little sense of Jefferson's greatness, but it covers the essential episodes in the Founding Father's life with admirable balance and conciseness. Read this along with Joseph Ellis's American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson, and you'll have a very good idea of why we continue to find the early statesman fascinating today. --Gregory MacNamee --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From Publishers Weekly

Cunningham succeeds admirably in his biography of Jefferson, intended for both scholars and general readers. The University of Missouri historian conveys not only the details of Jefferson's career as a politician and polymath, but the evolution of his thinking as expressed in Notes on the State of Virginia and other writings. He shows that Jefferson's belief in "the sufficiency of reason for the care of human affairs" sustained his political principles and his faith in progress and education. Cunningham, author of earlier books on the man and his era (The Image of Thomas Jefferson in the Public Eye, etc.), writes well and with evident authority in this rich work. Photos not seen by PW. History Book Club main selection.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 488 pages
• Publisher: Louisiana State Univ Pr (May 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807113751
• ISBN-13: 978-0807113752
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,410,540 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Biography for the Masses, April 16, 2001

By 

T. B. Vick "T.B.V." - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: In Pursuit of Reason: The Life of Thomas Jefferson (Paperback)

This book has received unwarranted bad reviews and press simply because it is 'short.' Noble E. Cunningham's purpose, it seems, for this biography of Jefferson, was to present the essential life of Jefferson in such a way that all could enjoy. There have been so many biographies written on Jefferson and most are massive multi- volumes which can come across as very daunting to the average reader.

However, this book, while very well researched and authoritative in its content, is a biography which can be read by the average Joe and the scholar alike. Cunningham's research is very well documented, and the book is put together systematically from "The Formative Years" to "The Final Legacy." So, in a brief space, one can read this volume and learn the essential/perennial events which occurred in Jefferson's life. Moreover, Cunningham delves a little into Jefferson's personal affairs, such as his lost first love - Rebecca Burwell, to his admiration for Patrick Henry. Cunningham also details Jefferson's early intellectual influences and his love for law. In fact, in 349 pages of text, the most crucial and important events which occurred, and have been documented, in Jefferson's life are present in this text.

Therefore, Cunningham's attempt in writing this size biography was not to press his reader down in certain detail. Rather, Cunningham attempted to present a Jefferson which could be widely read by most anyone. His efforts are noble and successful on that level.

However, it must be stated that if you are wanting an intricately more detailed work of Jefferson, then this book will only wet your appetite for more. There are other biographies available (massive multi- volumes) for one to delve much deeper. But here, Cunningham just simply lets his reader know some of the most crucial events and facts. That being the case, this is a good book to begin your research and study of Thomas Jefferson.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Above average for one volume, June 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: In Pursuit of Reason: The Life of Thomas Jefferson (Paperback)

Highly condensed version of Jefferson's life, but very readable. Leaves out of the behind the scenes happenings, and intergal family life, especially of grandchildren. Good stater book for someone interested the Jefferson.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A interesting read and insight into the life and times, February 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: In Pursuit of Reason: The Life of Thomas Jefferson (Paperback)

Enjoyed this book, especially the focus given to the changing relationship between Alexander Hamilton and Jefferson over the years. Enjoyed learning about the relationship between Jefferson, Madison and Monroe.

Good background and insight into the forming of the first political parties (Federalists and Republicans) as well as insight into the political tactics and "spin" each party used to advance it's agenda. Many parallels are evident to the political tactics used by the Democratic and Republican parties of today.